MAPANDAN, PANGASINAN, PHILIPPINES – July 14, 2025 – Makerspace Innovhub OPC, in collaboration with Web3 Pangasinan, today celebrated the successful conclusion of Hack the Chain Ep25.2 Viction Edition. The premier event, which included a three-day intensive workshop followed by a 24-hour non-stop hackathon, brought together 144 student participants from across the region to build real-world solutions on the Viction blockchain.

The event culminated in the creation of 12 new technology startups, each with a functioning Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The hackathon showcased the immense talent and innovative spirit of the local developer community, with teams from Universidad de Dagupan securing both the first and second-place honors, and a team from PHINMA-University of Pangasinan taking third place.

Hack the Chain Ep25.2 was designed to empower the next generation of Filipino developers. The workshops provided a strong foundational understanding of blockchain technology, the Solidity programming language, and the unique, gasless features of the Viction ecosystem, including the VRC25 token standard. This initiative aligns with Makerspace Innovhub’s mission to empower Filipino start-ups and developers with cutting-edge technology and establish the Philippines as a global hub for Web3 builders.

Melissa Marie Umang, CEO of Makerspace Innovhub OPC, expressed her profound gratitude, stating, “The energy, creativity, and collaborative spirit we witnessed were truly inspiring. Seeing 144 students dedicate themselves to learning and building for 24 hours straight, resulting in 12 viable startups, is a testament to the incredible potential within our community. This is why we do what we do—to empower and provide a platform for Filipino talent to shine on the global stage.”

A significant highlight of the event was the official Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the University of Luzon, solidifying a partnership to continue fostering technology education and innovation in the region.

On behalf of the entire organizing team, including Makerspace Innovhub OPC CEO Melissa Marie Umang and CTO Tzar Umang, we extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made this event a reality.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

The success of Hack the Chain would not have been possible without the incredible support from our partners in academia, industry, and the community.

Our Esteemed Academic Partners: We are immensely grateful to the following institutions for encouraging their students to innovate and participate:

  • Universidad de Dagupan
  • UNIVERSITY OF LUZON
  • PHINMA-University of Pangasinan
  • AMA Computer College – Dagupan Campus
  • Philippine College Of Science & Technology

Our Generous Sponsors and Supporters: This event was powered by the vision and support of our sponsors. Thank you to:

  • OKX
  • Bitstop Network Services
  • Hack The North
  • Digiforce IT Services
  • Devcon Luzon Programs
  • A&L Print Shop
  • EZ Man Delivery Services
  • I.T. Philippines
  • ANL Printshop General Merchandise

Our Expert Mentors and Judges: We thank our distinguished panel of mentors and judges who generously gave their time and expertise to guide and evaluate the participants:

  • Mentors and Judges: Roy R. Flores, Michael Rabarra
  • Judges: Nestor Feland Panopio (IAm Contact Solutions), Arnaldy D. Fortin , Dr. Jaemie D. Ruiz-Chua (Chief Administrative Officer, DICT Region 1 ), Diosdado C. Caronongan (Dean, University of Luzon)
  • Mentors: Jim Hernando, Santos H. Valdez Jr., Miguel Castro, Ed Casulla

Showcasing Innovation: The Participating Startups

Congratulations to all the teams for their incredible effort and groundbreaking ideas presented for pitching and MVP judging:

  • Contract Connect
  • EcoLakbay
  • PWeDeMeet
  • Learnify
  • Skill Chain
  • Praxis
  • AgriTrust
  • CTRLChain
  • EcoExplore
  • Likas Bayani
  • TitleStone
  • JuanderQuest

About Makerspace Innovhub OPC: Makerspace Innovhub OPC is a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering Filipino start-ups and developers. With a vision to become a leading global hub for Web3 builders, it focuses on leveraging cutting-edge web development and blockchain technology to create transformative impact and foster a customer-centric approach to innovation.

Media Contact:

Tzar Umang
[email protected]
0918 496 2854